During the Texans’ 5-0 start, Daniels has been running in elite company. OD is tied with the Gronk for most catches by an AFC tight end. But Daniels has more yards than the 295 of New England’s Rob Gronkowski. They have the same number of touchdowns.

“I’m having a lot of fun,” Daniels said with a huge smile. “There’s nothing like winning.”

Daniels, 29, is a seven-year veteran who’s the second-most tenured Texan behind receiver Andre Johnson (10th season). Daniels and Johnson learned too much about losing. Now they’re winning for the second consecutive season.

Coach Gary Kubiak said this week he needs to calls more plays for Johnson. Truthfully, he needs to call more plays for Daniels.

Daniels looks quicker than ever off the line of scrimmage. He’s quicker in and out of his cuts. He looks faster than at any time since he suffered a major knee injury midway through the 2009 season. That’s the only time he had more receptions (25) through five games than this season.

Daniels’ 311 yards are his most through five games. He had 308 in 2008, when he wound up earning Pro Bowl recognition. He finished that season with 74 receptions for 862 yards and two touchdowns.

“I think he’s physically the best he’s been since that (2009) season,” Kubiak said. “I think the (coaches’) plan for Owen has gotten much better.

“You tend to, if you’re pressing or something, overwork a guy like him, because he’s not going to tell you, ‘Hey, I’m tired. I need a day off.’ We put a plan in place for him last year, and we’ve held to that plan.”

Daniels is coming off a splendid performance in Monday’s 23-17 victory over the Jets. He had four catches for 79 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown. Now the Packers are visiting Reliant Stadium on Sunday night.

“This is exciting,” he said. “I think it’s another chance for us to earn some respect.”

Daniels is 6-3, 247 pounds, and he’s spending a lot of time blocking because the Texans are running the ball so effectively with Arian Foster. But Daniels is leading the team in catches for the second straight season.

In 2011, Daniels had 54 receptions for 677 yards (12.5 per catch) and three touchdowns. The reason he didn’t have more catches is because Kubiak became ultra conservative in his passing game to protect rookie T.J. Yates.

Which reminds me. Hey, Owen, your stats were down last season! Your best days are behind you! And you’re average, too!

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) sacks New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter of a Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Texans won the game 23-17. less

Houston Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) sacks New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter of a Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans defensive backs Troy Nolan (33) and Kareem Jackson (25) celebrate Jackson's interception of a pass by New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez late in the game.

Texans defensive backs Troy Nolan (33) and Kareem Jackson (25) celebrate Jackson's interception of a pass by New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez late in the game.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) scores on a 34-yard pass play past New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) during the first quarter.

Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) scores on a 34-yard pass play past New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) during the first quarter.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) is tripped up by New York Jets strong safety Yeremiah Bell (37) during the second half.

Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) is tripped up by New York Jets strong safety Yeremiah Bell (37) during the second half.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans fans whoop it up in the parking lot while tailgating before the Texans game against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.

Texans fans whoop it up in the parking lot while tailgating before the Texans game against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) intercepts a pass during the second quarter. McCain returned the interception 86 yards to set up a field goal at the end of the half.

Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) intercepts a pass during the second quarter. McCain returned the interception 86 yards to set up a field goal at the end of the half.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) gets off a pass as he is pressured by New York Jets tight end Konrad Reuland (87) and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the second quarter.

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) gets off a pass as he is pressured by New York Jets tight end Konrad Reuland (87) and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the second quarter.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans linebacker Brian Cushing heads to the locker room after being injured during the second quarter.

Texans linebacker Brian Cushing heads to the locker room after being injured during the second quarter.